[Columbia, SC] - St. Nick will be busy delivering gifts tomorrow evening, but Riverbanks Zoo and Garden unwrapped its big gift two days early - two new giraffes are now calling Riverbanks home.

"Charlie and Sharon made the 1,200 mile trip from Kansas on November 14 with no problems. When they arrived at Riverbanks they were given a thorough check-up and were monitored for 30 days before being introduced to our giraffes. The introductions have gone well and we're happy to announce that they're on exhibit and ready to meet the public," said Ed Diebold, director of animal collections at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Sharon is an almost six-year-old giraffe and Charlie, now Riverbanks' solo male giraffe, is a two-year-old. Their transfer was arranged by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Giraffe Population Management Plan (PMP). PMPs are in place for many animal populations in the care of AZA institutions across the United States, making recommendations about their reproduction and movement. Zoos follow their recommendations carefully to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the population.

Both of Riverbanks' new giraffes were born at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. While giraffes can grow to be as tall as 18 feet, it's best to transfer them before they reach such great heights. Both Charlie and Sharon are approximately 12 feet tall. Even then, transferring giraffes can be a tricky business. Sedgwick County Zoo enlisted the help of a qualified exotic animal hauler that uses modified trailers specifically designed for large animals. The giraffes' trailer had an expandable roof that could be lowered and raised when the truck drove under highway overpasses, though Charlie and Sharon are still shorter than normal highway height restrictions.

"Any time animals are transferred, the animal management staff pays special attention to the animals' physical condition, behavior and appetite to ensure they experience a safe move and a healthy transition to their new home," Diebold said. "Because giraffes are a herd species, they socialize easily and typically don't have any problems adjusting to new neighbors and environments."

Charlie and Sharon have now officially passed their 30-day quarantine period and are on display with Ginger and Krissy, Riverbanks' two five-year-old giraffes. According to Diebold, they won't need much help getting the hang of Riverbanks' interactive giraffe feeding platform where kids and adults can exchange a safari buck for a handful of sweet potatoes and carrots to feed the giraffes. "Sedgwick County Zoo also had a feeding platform, which means Charlie and Sharon are very familiar with the routine."

[PHOTO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD IN MEDIA PHOTO BOX]